Where Theory and Reality Don't Mes

Rodney points out the key paradox of pension obligation: contributions should increase when interest rates are low.

That’s because retirement nest eggs can only grow in two ways:

1. From earnings, and 2. From contributions

That means you need higher-than-normal contributions to balance out a year of poor earnings.

What’s alarming is this same paradox holds true for defined contribution retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs. Most financial planning models assume retirement accounts grow at a constant rate. But most investments within these accounts don’t grow at a constant rate.

In theory, these models only work if workers sock away extra money (increase contributions) during the years of below average stock returns, and contribute less when the stock market is performing above average.

This is where theory and reality don’t mesh.

The stock market falters when the economy is struggling. When the economy is struggling, savers are struggling. Just ask workers to double or triple what they contribute to their 401(k) because the stock market was flat last year… good luck getting that to happen.

Today, the traditional “defined benefit” plans, where the employer is on the hook to provide a specific pension payment each month to the retiree, is a dying breed. Just look at the chart below. It shows how employers have shifted the retirement income burden off their shoulders (green bars) and onto the backs of their workers (yellow bars).

Unfortunately, many retirees will face the same endgame, whether they were promised a pension or persuaded to fund a 401(k).

About Author

Adam O'Dell has one purpose in mind: to find and bring to subscribers investment opportunities that return the maximum profit with the minimum risk. Adam has worked as a Prop Trader for a spot Forex firm. While there, he learned the fundamentals of trading in the world’s largest market. He excelled at trading the volatile currency markets by seeking out low-risk entry points for trades with high profit potential. An MBA graduate and Affiliate Member of the Market Technicians Association, Adam is a lifelong student of the markets. He is editor of our hugely successful trading service, Cycle 9 Alert.

About Us

Economy & Markets Daily is the first e-letter of its kind that uses the power of demographic trends and purchasing power to accurately identify economic and market boom and busts.

We believe that knowing what consumers are going to buy next (purchasing power)... or what they'll stop buying soon... is the best way to protect your investment portfolio, maximize your returns, and make smart business and financial decisions.

Each week day, Harry Dent, Rodney Johnson, and Adam O'Dell share with you their views on demographic trends, their market research, their economic research, the housing market, economic cycles, market cycles, business cycles, and the looming economic collapse and market crash.